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Ram 1500

The Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by the Chrysler Group LLC. The truck has been sold under the ""Ram Trucks"" brand since late 2010. The ""Ram"" was added in 1981 when the Dodge lineup of light trucks was redesigned. The name comes from the Ram hood ornament that was present on the hood of Dodge cars during the 1930s. The Ram 1500 is actually a part of the fourth generation of Rams as the first generation of the truck released in 1981. However, this generation retained the model designations of the previous generation. Trucks with two-wheel drive were indicated by a ""D,"" while four-wheel-drive trucks were indicated by a ""W."" A half-ton truck was identified by the number ""150,"" a three-quarter-ton truck was identified by ""250,"" and a one-ton truck was identified by ""350.""

The Ram 1500, along with other versions of the Ram full-sized trucks, won the ""Truck of the Year"" awarded by automobile magazines three times. This was largely due to the complete redesign of the Ram truck for the second generation. The design was a result of extensive buyer research and concepts created by Chief Engineer, Phillip Payne. Consumers at the time expressed more interest in strong exterior designs that gave the look of a big rig truck.

The newly designed Ram 1500 was completely different from what a Ram truck traditionally looked like, but it was unique enough to give instant recognition to the new Dodge pickup.

The most important design elements that made the Dodge Ram 1500 popular included a large, imposing grille and a big rig-like front end. These elements did not exist in other full-size pickups, such as the GMC and Ford pickups at that time.

Ram 1500 Features

The 2012 Ram 1500 is a continuation of the redesigned pickup truck that was launched in 2008 at the Detroit Auto Show. Production began from the 2009 model year, and the specifications remained unchanged for the 2012 model year as well. The truck offers a completely new exterior design from the previous generation of Dodge trucks. The headlight and grille design became much more aggressive, and the power train is also improved from the previous generation.

The standard engine for the Ram 1500 is a 5.7-liter, Hemi V-8 with 380 hp of power and 404 lb-ft of torque. A 4.7-liter V-8 that delivers 310 hp of power and 330 lb-ft of torque is also available, as well as a 3.7-liter V-6 that delivers 215 hp of power and 235 lb-ft of torque.

All engines on the 2012 Ram 1500 are mated with a new six-speed automatic transmission system. This system replaced the five-speed automatic gearbox used in the previous generation. The V-6 engine differs from the rest as it mates with a four-speed automatic transmission gearbox.

The redesigned chassis is made of high-strength steel, providing ample strength and rigidity to the truck. A multi-link coil spring suspension in the rear complements the rigidity of the chassis. This new suspension was introduced for full-sized trucks for the first time with the Ram 1500, and it improves the ride and handling of the Ram without sacrificing the payload.

The Ram 1500 can carry up to 1840 pounds and tow a maximum of 9100 pounds. The interior of the truck changed a lot since the previous redesign in 2002, which is in line with Chrysler’s mission of giving the interiors of its vehicles the focus they deserve. After several years of seeing substandard cabins inside Dodge Ram trucks, the Ram 1500 interior is a pleasant surprise. It now features redesigned controls, premium seating and bolsters, two-tone upholstery, chrome accents, and six-ring instrumentation. The 2012 Ram 1500 is available in two trim levels: the Crew Cab and Quad Cab.

Ram 1500 Evolution

In 1994, the Ram 1500 was launched with a revolutionary, aggressive exterior design. The power train was retained from the first generation Dodge Ram trucks, which included a 3.9-liter V-6, 5.2-liter V-8, 5.9-liter V-8, and 5.9-liter Straight Six Cummins Turbo diesel engine.

In 2002, the next generation Dodge Ram 1500 came with changes in the internal specifications, including a new interior, sheet metal, power train, suspension, and frame. This generation helped improve the sales of the Dodge Ram trucks. Around 400,000 units were sold in 2002, followed by 450,000 in 2003, which was the highest at that time for the Ram trucks. The Ram 1500 received a facelift once again for the 2006 model year. A Mega Cab trim level was added to the existing trim levels.